Like the Moorish castle it celebrates, this enchanting book draws the reader in with enticing tales of this spectacular monument. Published in 1851, it sketches the Moors and Spaniards on the plains of Castile and LaMancha and the environs of Granada. Irving brings life to the stately rooms, labyrinthine hallways, pools, and courtyards with the history, legends, strivings and celebrations of the people he met during his stay in 1829. Mostly though, Irving takes us through the passageways to the Moorish empire that laid upon Spain for centuries and yet found no permanent foothold. We meet the kings, the faithful Moslems, the devout Christians, the exotic courts, and the clever poor. Part ARABIAN NIGHTS, part travel guide these sketches are thoroughly delightful.

"This book will have you packing your bags in anticipation of following Irving's footsteps through an exotic Moorish Spain peopled by friends you look forward to making." (American Library Association)